grow scarcer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow scarcer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is becoming less available or less common over time. Example: "As the population increases, natural resources are expected to grow scarcer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Water is indeed scarce in many places, and will grow scarcer.

The Economist

As subtitled movies grow scarcer on American screens, the traditional signifiers of snobbery grow scarce.

The New York Times

As the primes get larger, they grow scarcer and the distances between them, the gaps, grow wider.

The New Yorker

Provide compensatory wage insurance for the many workers forced to take lower-paying jobs as middle-income jobs grow scarcer.

The Washington Post

Writer conferred with fur brokers, dealers and manufacturers who all confirmed that each year the spotted furs grow scarcer and the prices higher.

The New Yorker

Amid glassy condo towers, [cholas] grow scarcer on the sidewalks, reappearing hatless, as nannies and inexpert walkers of upper-class dogs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Gradually the snow starts to grow scarce, though the mountains remain just as high.

The Guardian - Travel

As openings in other schools grow scarce, parents are becoming anxious.

The New York Times

Russia has a nasty habit of gouging neighbors when gas or grain grow scarce.

The New York Times

As known supplies grow scarce and the burden of production falls on fewer and fewer countries, international disputes and even violent conflicts are a distinct, frightening possibility.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As jobs that long sustained the middle class grow scarce, the freelance economy is revolutionizing the way that we live and work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow scarcer" to describe resources, opportunities, or even abstract concepts that are becoming less prevalent over time. For instance, you might say "As demand increases, clean water will "grow scarcer"".

Common error

Avoid using "grow scarcer" to describe something that disappears suddenly. It is better suited for processes that diminish gradually over time. For sudden disappearances, consider using terms like "vanish" or "disappear" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow scarcer" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual decrease in availability or prevalence. It is commonly used to describe resources, opportunities, or abstract concepts that are becoming less common, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow scarcer" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe a gradual decrease in availability or prevalence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, it serves to highlight a concerning trend of diminishing resources, opportunities, or concepts. When writing, ensure that "grow scarcer" is used to describe gradual diminishment, not sudden disappearance, and consider it a more idiomatic choice than "grow more scarce". Alternatives include "become rarer" or "diminish in availability", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become less common

Focuses on the decrease in frequency or prevalence of something.

become rarer

Highlights the increasing infrequency of something.

diminish in availability

Emphasizes the decreasing supply or accessibility of something.

become depleted

Suggests that something is being used up or exhausted.

dwindle in number

Refers specifically to a reduction in the quantity of something.

become harder to find

Highlights the increasing difficulty in locating or obtaining something.

become more limited

Emphasizes the increasing restrictions or constraints on something.

are in decline

Indicates a general downward trend or decrease.

are on the wane

Suggests a gradual decrease or fading away.

enter a decline

Signals the beginning of gradual loss, power or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "grow scarcer" in a sentence?

You can use "grow scarcer" to describe anything that becomes less available or common over time. For example: "As the population increases, natural resources are expected to "grow scarcer"". You can also use it in more abstract scenarios.

What are some alternatives to "grow scarcer"?

Alternatives include "become rarer", "diminish in availability", or "become less common". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "grow more scarce" instead of "grow scarcer"?

While "grow more scarce" is understandable, "grow scarcer" is the more idiomatic and frequently used phrasing. It's generally preferred in both formal and informal contexts.

Can "grow scarcer" be used for both physical resources and abstract concepts?

Yes, "grow scarcer" is versatile and can be used for both tangible resources like water and abstract concepts like opportunities or patience. The key is that whatever you're describing is diminishing over time.